CONNIE KURTEW
“Where I grew up [East Germany], you could not just say what you thought; we all had to find forms to express ourselves in very different ways,” says Connie Kurtew. “I chose mainly photography. I got to hide and to express what I wanted/needed to say. It is a very strong form of expression, and we [photographers] were able to get away with a lot more than other artists that chose a more direct form or way to criticize the Socialist/communist government.” Looking through the images on her website, kurtewphotography.com, it’s clear that Kurtew has a knack for capturing emotions. She says most people hire her after seeing her work and deciding that they want something beyond just run-of-the-mill photography. “Often they don’t like to take pictures, or they tell me they never look good in pictures. I know I can make them look great, and I don’t mean [by using] Photoshop,” she says. “I get them to relax and play, and the outcome is amazing. We take our time. And every single person is beautiful, and I am the lucky one who can show that. I get to meet and spend time with some of the most amazing, kindest people, and I create/build a picture to show everyone else exactly that. That’s the best part of my job.”–GH
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